After enduring painful losses, Kate Glynn is fighting chronic anxiety—but life coach Martha Beck says it’s time to call a truce.
THOUGH KATE GLYNN, 36, owns a children’s book-and-toy shop in Northampton, Massachusetts, she knows her heart’s not in retail. For 12 years, she’s been seeking her true purpose (along with true love) but has had no luck, so she’s called in reinforcements—namely, Martha Beck. When O’s life coach detected underlying anxiety in her new client, Kate agreed and gave her some background: The hyper-responsible daughter of divorced parents, Kate was hospitalized for ulcerative colitis in college; shortly thereafter, her father died and her mother suffered a massive stroke. “Have you really relaxed since then?” asked Martha. “I’d say no,” Kate admitted. Her homework: daily 15-minute sessions of meditation, simply observing and labeling her feelings, whether agitated or calm. Martha then gave Kate a coping strategy for those inevitable moments of panic. So how’s it been going? Let’s check in.
Martha Beck: Hi, Kate! I’m eager to hear what’s been happening since the last time we talked.
Kate Glynn: You were right; meditation brings up a lot of panicky feelings. Actually, they’re always there, but I’m more aware of them when I’m sitting still. You’d mentioned that if I start to freak out, I can think of the way I’d soothe a crying baby, but I’ve found that idea challenging. When I shift into caretaker mode, I get stuck. It’s difficult to put myself in the position of being held.
This story is from the September 2018 edition of The Oprah Magazine.
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This story is from the September 2018 edition of The Oprah Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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